№1. Use the 3-4-5 method of time allocation
The essence of the method is as simple as possible: 3 days – learning new information, 4 days – repeating this information, 5 days – additional consolidation of what has been learned with verification in practice. That is, the first days you only read, write down the main theses, formulas, etc. from different sources, then you try to learn new material in order to remember and use it without additional prompts, and only after that you begin to solve tasks, examples, tests, etc.
The main thing in this method is discipline. Remember that no one but you will be watching your preparation! No one will remind and control when and how much time you spent on a particular stage. Systematize the preparation process and be sure to remember about breaks so that the brain has time to rest and absorb information.
You can adjust the number of days at each stage yourself, especially in situations where the topic is quite easy and there is not much material on it, or vice versa.
№2. Prepare for the exam with someone else
Again, an elementary format: agree with one of your classmates and allocate a common time in the schedule when you meet and prepare for the exam. You can watch online lectures together, discuss incomprehensible topics, explain terms to each other, etc., and as a practical part of the preparation, you can test each other's knowledge, examine orally or in writing.
Of course, this method will also be effective only with a disciplined approach of all participants. At the same time, you don't have to meet offline every time, sometimes you can just make a video call! The main thing is to look for opportunities, not excuses.
In some cases, group preparation will be most effective when there are more than two people in the team: this way you can share your experience of individual learning, find new methods of learning and memorizing the material. You can always support and motivate each other when it seems that resources are already running out.
№3. Go from complex to simple
It is irrational to spend the main layer of time preparing on topics that you already know very well, and leave problem areas for the last day. Of course, you want to study difficult topics as late as possible, but then the effectiveness of preparation will be minimal. Therefore, do not be afraid and immediately take up the difficult material for you, right off the bat!
To make it easier for yourself and give your brain a break, you can alternate complex and simple topics in the preparation process.
№4. Stick to the rule: two days of study, one day of repetition
This method overlaps in the principle of action with the first one, only here the number of days between different stages is reduced: two days you master new material, and on the third day you begin to systematize and repeat what you have learned. At the stage of revision, you should, among other things, practice in the format of tests, detailed answers to questions, etc.
By the way, this technique is perfectly combined with joint preparation.
№5. Try to understand the subject, not memorize it
In order to correctly apply this approach in practice, you need to understand the difference between understanding and simple memorization. If you have read the material and think that everything is clear to you, then this is half the battle, but you need to make sure that the information is really mastered in practice. Try, for example, to solve a problem or answer questions in a test. First, take something easy, and then move on to tasks of increased complexity. Are you still able to use the studied material and successfully complete them? If so, then everything is fine! But if you get lost in the material when the tasks go beyond the templates, then you have not yet immersed yourself in the material as a whole.
Try to explain the material to others, ask clarifying questions to teachers, study the material more in context and practice often: then the information in your head will be saved in a more structured form, you will understand the principle of its application, and not just know the terms.
№6. Alternate formats for perceiving the material and repeat what you have learned
Watch online lectures and diagrams, write notes, make schematic sketches, listen to audio podcasts on the topic, take tests, discuss with classmates, hang posters on the walls with basic information on topics — these are just some of the examples that work with different types of information perception. For your preparation to be truly effective, it's important to use and alternate between them, while noting which formats are most beneficial and focusing on them.
Even if a topic came easily to you, it will still be useful to repeat it. It is not necessary to retell the material from the textbook from letter to dot — revision can also be done in the format of a regular test or task.
To conclude
There is no universal method of preparation among the options we have listed, each person is individual, so you can choose something effective only in a practical way. Try, analyze, improve and pass the exams with the highest scores!
